The word 'close' can be pronounced with a /z/ or an /s/, depending on part of speech.

The word 'close' is pronounced differently depending on if it's being used as a verb (use a /z/) or as an adjective or adverb (use an /s/.) Words that are spelled the same but pronounced differently are called heteronyms.

Note the following sentences:

(verb) Please close the door. /kloʊz/

(adjective) The window is close to the door. /kloʊs/

(adverb) She is standing close to the door. /kloʊs/

Words that end in '-ose' are more likely to be pronounced with a /z/ than an /s/. Other examples with a /z/ pronunciation include:

pose

rose

nose

hose

those

expose

Another word ending in 'ose' that is pronounced with an /s/ is the word 'dose.'

Pronuncian: American English Pronunciation

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